Optimal traditional Chinese medicine formulas in treating ulcerative colitis:Choose one or take it all?

Ulcerative colitis(UC)is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that presents significant treatment challenges due to its complexity,especially in terms of the various side effects that traditional medications may bring during the chronic course of the disease.Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)has emerged as a promising complementary therapy for UC.Based on the latest research,our editorial explored the current issues and potential essential research directions for TCM in treating UC.We anticipate that future high-quality research will pave the way for the optimization of TCM formulas for UC and their broader global application.

Exploring the compatibility theory of traditional Chinese medicine formulae:the disassembled prescriptions study

Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)has become very popular in the treatment of complex diseases worldwide in recent decades.Despite the promising performance of TCM,how herbs work synergistically in a formula and their therapeutic targets remain ambiguous.This largely limits the correct use and modernization of TCM formulas clinically.The study of disassembled prescriptions is important for investigating the compatibility theory of Chinese medicines.By dissecting the mechanisms of TCM formulae,the compatibility principles of some well-known formulae,such as Realgar-Indigo naturalis,have been elucidated to a certain extent.In this review,several common methods of disassembled prescription studies are summarized,including those of single herb or mineral,sub-prescription,active ingredients or effective parts,large formulae,and systems pharmacology studies,as well as the methods of grouping based on the properties or efficacy of Chinese medicines,in order to provide evidence for formulae study.Moreover,some challenges to be addressed in disassembled prescriptions studies have been identified in this review.

Traditional Chinese medicine for foot pain in a patient with complex regional pain syndrome: A case report

BACKGROUND Complex regional pain syndrome(CRPS)is characterized by pain as well as sensory,motor,and sudomotor disorders.Generally,it is classified into two types CRPS-I and CRPS-II.There is no single diagnostic test or treatment approach for CRPS,and a multidisciplinary approach is gaining attention to improve patients’symptoms and their quality of life.CASE SUMMARY A 35-year-old woman with an unremarkable medical history sought treatment for CRPS at a hospital of Korean medicine.During her first visit,she was wheelchairbound due to severe pain in her left lower extremity.She had edema and discoloration of the left foot.She was treated with a combination of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)approaches,including acupuncture,moxibustion,pharmacopuncture,and herbal decoction,for approximately 20 sessions.The foot and ankle outcome score(FAOS)and visual analog scale(VAS)score for pain were evaluated,along with general signs and functions.Her symptoms,signs,FAOS,and VAS scores improved after treatment,with a significant 7-degree decrease in the VAS score and a 62-point increase in the FAOS score.Additionally,the foot swelling and discoloration gradually resolved.During the phone follow-up,5 mo after the last visit,additional improvements in outcomes were observed.CONCLUSION Combined TCM treatment may be a reasonable and safe option for alleviating symptoms and improving function in patients with CRPS.

Application and Practice of Traditional Chinese Medicine Characteristic Technology Inheritance in Research and Development of Traditional Chinese Medicine Preparations in Medical Institutions

Medical institution preparations play an important role in the development of hospitals,being one of the main forms of traditional Chinese medicine clinical characteristic medication,as well as an important carrier for the inheritance and innovation of traditional Chinese medicine.In recent years,the research and development of traditional Chinese medicine preparations has become a hot spot in the research and development of preparations by medical institutions.Traditional Chinese medicine preparations prepared by traditional processes and their entrusted preparation matters have changed from the current licensing management to filing management.The registration model of traditional Chinese medicine preparations has undergone significant changes,emphasizing more on real data and evaluation results from the objective world,respecting traditional medication experience,and emphasizing the inheritance and innovative development of traditional technological experience.In the process of following teachers in the inheritance project of traditional Chinese medicine,we combined the inheritance of traditional Chinese medicine characteristic technology with the research and development practice of traditional Chinese medicine preparations in medical institutions,and focused on the analysis and discussion of technical problems such as prescription screening,dosage form selection,process route design and clinical observation of traditional Chinese medicine preparations,hoping to provide reference for scholars in the same field of traditional Chinese medicine.

Traditional Chinese medicine for transformation of gastric precancerous lesions to gastric cancer:A critical review

Gastric cancer(GC)is a common gastrointestinal tumor.Gastric precancerous lesions(GPL)are the last pathological stage before normal gastric mucosa transforms into GC.However,preventing the transformation from GPL to GC remains a challenge.Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)has been used to treat gastric disease for millennia.A series of TCM formulas and active compounds have shown therapeutic effects in both GC and GPL.This article reviews recent progress on the herbal drugs and pharmacological mechanisms of TCM in preventing the transformation from GPL to GC,especially focusing on antiinflammatory,anti-angiogenesis,proliferation,and apoptosis.This review may provide a meaningful reference for the prevention of the transformation from GPL to GC using TCM.

Drug Sensitive Test on Main Pathogenic Bacteria of Cow Recessiveness Mastitis Using Traditional Chinese Medicine Preparation “Zengrujianniusan”

According to the theory of Chinese veterinary medicine and characteristics of Chinese herbal medicine, four different preparations of compound Chinese medicine ＂Zengrujianniusan＂ were composed, and the prepared water decoction was used to carry on the bacteriostatic test on main pathogens of cow recessiveness mastitis. The results showed that the four different prescriptions of water decoction all had antibacterial effects. The prescription 3 was sensitive to Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus agalactiae, while the other three prescriptions showed high sensitivity, and the prescription 3 had the strongest bacteriostatic effects.

Progress on traditional Chinese medicine in improving hepatic fibrosis through inhibiting oxidative stress

Hepatic fibrosis is a common pathological process that occurs in the development of various chronic liver diseases into cirrhosis and liver cancer,characterized by excessive deposition of the extracellular matrix.In the past,hepatic fibrosis was thought to be a static and irreversible pathological process.In recent years,with the rapid development of molecular biology and the continuous in-depth study of the liver at the microscopic level,more and more evidence has shown that hepatic fibrosis is a dynamic and reversible process.Therefore,it is particularly important to find an effective,simple,and inexpensive method for its prevention and treatment.Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)occupies an important position in the treatment of hepatic fibrosis due to its advantages of low adverse reactions,low cost,and multi-target effectiveness.A large number of research results have shown that TCM monomers,single herbal extracts,and TCM formulas play important roles in the prevention and treatment of hepatic fibrosis.Oxidative stress(OS)is one of the key factors in the occurrence and development of hepatic fibrosis.Therefore,this article reviews the progress in the understanding of the mechanisms of TCM monomers,single herbal extracts,and TCM formulas in preventing and treating hepatic fibrosis by inhibiting OS in recent years,in order to provide a reference and basis for drug therapy of hepatic fibrosis.

Rheumatic valvular heart disease treated with traditional Chinese medicine:A case report

BACKGROUND Rheumatic heart disease(RHD)is an autoimmune disease that leads to irreversible valve damage and heart failure.Surgery is an effective treatment;however,it is invasive and carries risks,restricting its broad application.Therefore,it is essential to find alternative nonsurgical treatments for RHD.CASE SUMMARY A 57-year-old woman was assessed with cardiac color Doppler ultrasound,left heart function tests,and tissue Doppler imaging evaluation at Zhongshan Hospital of Fudan University.The results showed mild mitral valve stenosis with mild to moderate mitral and aortic regurgitation,confirming a diagnosis of rheumatic valve disease.After her symptoms became severe,with frequent ventricular tachycardia and supraventricular tachycardia>200 beats per minute,her physicians recommended surgery.During a 10-day preoperative waiting period,the patient asked to be treated with traditional Chinese medicine.After 1 week of this treatment,her symptoms improved significantly,including resolution of the ventricular tachycardia,and the surgery was postponed pending further follow-up.At 3-month follow-up,color Doppler ultrasound showed mild mitral valve stenosis with mild mitral and aortic regurgitation.Therefore,it was determined that no surgical treatment was required.CONCLUSION Traditional Chinese medicine treatment effectively relieves symptoms of RHD,particularly mitral valve stenosis and mitral and aortic regurgitation.

Compatibility mechanism of Chinese medicine formula:state of the art and perspectives

Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)has been practiced in China and surrounding countries for thousands of years and has gradually attracted the attention of Western countries.After reasonable compatibility,TCMs could play the key role of enhancing efficacy and reducing toxicity,which has significant therapeutic advantages in the treatment of complex diseases in clinical practice.While the TCM compatibility is not the simple addition of drugs.Under the appropriate dosage ratio,multiple TCMs can play a synergistic role to realize the overall regulation of TCM treatment.Therefore,it is of critical essential to study the compatibility of TCM formula to promote TCM modernization,new drug development and clinical application.Recently,under the guidance of TCM theory,many researches on the composition,pharmacodynamic activity and pharmacokinetic properties of TCM formula have emerged by integrating new technologies and new methods,revealing the scientific connotation of the compatibility of TCM formula from different perspectives and levels.This paper introduces the research progress of compatibility rules from different levels of compatibility,compatibility for synergistic enhancement and detoxification,and application of cutting-edge technology,with representative cases,in order to provide ideas and references for further study on TCM compatibility.

International expert consensus on clinical application of traditional Chinese medicine formula granules

Guided by the theory of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM),TCM formula granules are made through the optimal process of extraction,concentration,drying,and granulation by combining modern new preparation technologies and pharmaceutical technologies.TCM formula granules are stable,safe,convenient,and effective.Compared with TCM decoction pieces,TCM formula granules can achieve the full process control of its industry chain from field to workshop and standardize the management of the origin of medicinal materials,processing of decoction pieces,processing technology,quality inspection,sales,and products distribution.TCM formula granules can partially replace Chinese patent medicines.Only available for around 800 common varieties of TCM,TCM formula granules cannot replace decoction pieces for many types which are not commonly used in clinical practice.A large number of formula granules are used in clinical and animal studies so that investigators no longer need to extract and control the quality of TCM decoction pieces.How to improve the production process,establish the quality standard,perfect the regulatory system,and expand the clinical application are the problems we need to solve as soon as possible for the better development of formula granules.

Efficacy and safety of traditional Chinese medicine kidney-nourishing formula for Alzheimer's disease in comparison with donepezil:a systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective:Finding an effective therapy against Alzheimer’s disease(AD)has been associate increasingly pressing issue and traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)is widespread in the prevention and treatment of AD in China.The aim of this study was to judge the efficaciousness and safety of TCM kidney-nourishing(the changes of pathological state of kidney deficiency by means of TCM treatment and so on)formula(TKNF)for AD in comparison with donepezil.Methods:The retrieval period of seven databases was from the establishment of each database to April 2019.Two authors independently identified randomized controlled trials(RCTs),fetched data and assessed bias risk.Comprehensive analysis process was conducted with review manager for eligible and appropriate RCTs.Results:A complete of 981 AD patients from 13 studies were enclosed.Meta-analysis of RCTs showed that there was no significant difference in the improvement of Alzheimer's disease assessment scale-cognitive subscale score between 2 groups in short term,but the effect of long-term treatment may exceed donepezil;there was a significant difference in the improvement of activities of daily living score between 2 groups;there was a significant difference in TCM curative efficacy between 2 groups with long-term treatment.There was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse events between 2 groups.The quality of the evidence was high or moderate.Conclusion:Compared with donepezil,TKNF was an effective drug for AD patients and the clinical application of TKNF was safe.TKNF's long-term benefits need more evidence to verify.

Analysis of new therapeutic strategies for diabetes mellitus based on traditional Chinese medicine'xiaoke'formulae

Objective:To develop new therapeutic strategies for diabetes mellitus(DM)by analyzing the mechanisms of action of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)'xiaoke'formulae(TCM prescriptions for remedying xiaoke).Methods:We characterized 291 xiaoke formulae,including the herbs contained,chemical composition,constituents'targets,and corresponding genes.Xiaoke-related genes were retrieved based on the relationships of constituents'targets and xiaoke formulae,and a threshold of over 95.88%occurrence of each constituent target in the 291 TCM formulae served as a definition for xiaoke-related genes.Upon comparison with DM-related genes in the DisGeNET database,the genes differing in expression between cases administered TCM and synthetic drugs were explored using a TCM grammar system.Results:The results showed that xiaoke formulae and 14 exclusively xiaoke-related genes were significantly associated with multiple biological processes closely related to DM and diabetic complications(P<.01).Moreover,intervention in the expression of these xiaoke-related genes would affect DM-related genes directly or indirectly.Conclusion:The 14 xiaoke-related genes APEX1,EHMT2,TSHR,CBX1,FEN1,GMNN,JUN,KMT2A,MAPT,POLl,USP1,PIN1,POLB,and POLK can serve as candidate genes for antidiabetic drug design.Compared with DM-related genes in DisGeNET,intervention in the expression of 14 xiaoke-related genes by TCM formulae has the potential to not only lower blood glucose,but also reduce the occurrence of some side effects and inhibit the development of diabetic complications.These findings will contribute to the discovery of new strategies for treating DM.

Discussion on the Quality Evaluation Method of Traditional Chinese Medicine Compound Preparations

As an important representative of the modernization of the Chinese medicine industry,traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)compound preparations are an indispensable part of the development of TCM.The complex ingredients and unclear action mechanism of TCM compound preparations restrict the development of TCM.In line with this problem,the modern TCM research has made extensive remarkable achievements.From the single indicator in the past to multiple indicator,the research on the combination of TCM fingerprints and pharmacodynamics also has made great progress.The introduction of quality evaluation methods such as the"quantitative analysis of multi-components by a single marker","dose-effect"indicator,"Bioactive Equivalent Combinatorial Components"(BECCs)and TCM quality markers have brought new ideas for quality control of TCM compound preparations.

Construction of Complex Intervention in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM): A Preliminary Methodological Study Based on Text Mining and Interviewing Method

Aim: To explore and analyze the feasibility of establishing a program of complex intervention in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) based on Text Mining and Interviewing method. Methods: According to MRC, Constructing the program of complex intervention in TCM by Text Mining and Interviewing method should include 4 steps: 1) establishment of interview framework via normalization of extraction of ancient documents and Effectiveness of collection of modern periodical literatures;2) materialization of interview outline based on Focus Group Interview;3) rudimentary construction of complex intervention program based on Semi-structured Interview;4) evaluation of curative effect of complex intervention. Conclusions: It is feasible and significative to establish a program of complex intervention in TCM based on Text Mining and Interviewing method.

Study on technical efficiency of traditional Chinese medicine industry of the Belt and Road Initiative based on environmental complexity

Background:Based on the principle of“joint consultation,co-building,and sharing”,with the aim of creating an energetic new model of economic growth,the Belt and Road Initiative achieves connectivity and mutual benefit.However,the degree of coordinated development of innovation subjects directly affects the improvement and optimization of the Belt and Road Initiative’s strategy implementation environment,and technology efficiency needs improvement.Methods:In this study,a data envelopment analysis model based on the environmental noise elimination algorithm(traditional Chinese medicine-Belt and Road Initiative)was used to identify the technical efficiency of the traditional Chinese medicine industry of Belt and Road Initiative by eliminating the impact of environmental factors.Results:Pure technical ineffectiveness,regional impact,and environmental factors represented by policy responses have a non-linear impact on technical efficiency.The overall technical efficiency of the traditional Chinese medicine industry in the countries along the route shows a trend of annual increases,technical efficiency and scale efficiency are relatively high,and operational efficiency is influenced by the degree of response of the countries along the route and its supporting policies.Conclusion:Pure technical inefficiency is the main factor affecting total technical loss.Geographical advantage is the key factor in operational efficiency.External environmental factors have a significant influence on the operational efficiency of the traditional Chinese medicine industry.

Pharmaceutical Rules of Traditional Chinese Medicine For Stroke Based on Dictionary of Prescriptions and Complex Network Analysis

Objective:Taking the Dictionary of Prescriptions as a clue,we collected effective prescriptions for treating Stroke,and systematically summarized the medication and compatibility rules of the core Chinese medicines for treating Stroke.Methods:A database of prescriptions for stroke based on complex relationship analysis system of traditional Chinese medicine was established.From the point of view of complex network,the hierarchy of drug compatibility rules of compound prescriptions(such as courtiers and envoys)was analyzed,the statistical characteristics of complex networks were analyzed,and an attempt was made to explain the characteristics of complex networks of drugs for stroke.Results:A total of 974 prescriptions were collected,including 1040 Chinese herbs.The core Chinese herbal medicines with nodal degree(>500)for Stroke were divaricate saposhnikovia root,liquorice root,Chinese angelica,tall gastrodia tuber,incised notopterygium rhizome and root.The compatibility relationship of the core Chinese medicines in the treatment of stroke is divaricate saposhnikovia root-liquorice root,ephedra-divaricate saposhnikovia root,divaricate saposhnikovia root-sichuan lovage rhizome,divaricate saposhnikovia root-Chinese angelica in order of frequency.Conclusion:Through the analysis of the common network structure of effective prescriptions for Stroke,the core prescription compatibility structure reflecting the prescription thinking and clinical characteristics was found.

Screening and Efficacy Observation of Traditional Chinese Medicine Against Chicken Pathogenic Escherichia coli

[ Objective] The aim of this study was to lay a foundation for obtaining effective traditional Chinese medicine preparations controlling chicken colibacillosis. [ Method] With the western medicine Lomeflbxacin Hydrochloride and Sodium Chloride Injection as the control, drug sensitivity tests of 15 single traditional Chinese herbs and seven self-made Chinese herbal compounds were conducted. Subsequently, the single traditional Chinese herbs presenting good in vitro antibacterial effects against Escherichia coli and all the seven compounds were given to the chicks artificially infected with E. coil to observe their efficacies. [ Result] The results of drug sensitivity tests showed that all the 15 traditional Chinese herbs had certain antibacterial effect against E. coli, among which aloe, pomegranate rind and radix sanguisorbae were the best. Compound 1, 2 and 5 had good antibacterial effects in vitro. By in vivo test, traditional Chinese medicines showed superior efficacies on infected chicks than western medicine, and compound 1 and 2 performed well. [ConclusiOn] Traditional Chinese medicine preparations are good at controlling Chicken colibacillosis, but their bacteriostasis mechanism in vivo was different with that in vitro.

Epigastric pain syndrome: What can traditional Chinese medicine do? A randomized controlled trial of Biling Weitong Granules

BACKGROUND Recent research suggests that although prokinetic agents,acid suppressors,and radical treatment for Helicobacter pylori infection may be effective in patients with functional dyspepsia(FD),a large proportion of patients still fail to respond to these treatments or may suffer from severe adverse reactions.Many traditional Chinese medicinal herbs can regulate the status of the entire body and have special advantages in the treatment of functional diseases.The present study was designed to verify the efficacy of Biling Weitong Granules(BLWTG),a traditional Chinese medicinal herbal compound formula,in alleviating epigastric pain syndrome(EPS)in FD patients,in an attempt to provide an effective prescription for the clinical treatment of this disease.AIM To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of BLWTG in treating EPS in patients with FD.METHODS In this multicenter,stratified,randomized,double-blind,placebo-controlled,parallel group clinical trial,eligible patients were randomized into the BLWTG and placebo groups who were treated for 6 wk.Efficacy indicators including the severity and frequency of EPS and the time to pain resolution and safety indicators including adverse events were observed and compared.RESULTS The baseline demographic data and clinical characteristics,such as epigastric pain symptoms,pain intensity,and frequency of attacks,were matched between the two groups before randomization.After 6 wk of treatment and after the center effect was eliminated,the epigastric pain was significantly improved in 28.33%and 85.59%of the patients in the placebo and BLWTG groups,respectively(P<0.05).At 6 wk,the resolution rate of epigastric pain was 15%and 69.49%in the placebo and BLWTG groups,respectively(P<0.05).The differences of total FD clinical score between these two groups were significant(P<0.05)at 2,4,and 6 wk(P<0.05).The scores of each item and the total score in the Functional Digestive Disorders Quality of Life Questionnaire showed significant differences between the two groups at 6 wk after both the center and interaction effects were eliminated(P<0.05).There was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse events between the two groups,and no serious adverse event was noted during the observation.CONCLUSION Compared with placebo,BLWTG markedly improved EPS in FD patients without causing serious adverse reactions.

Traditional Chinese medicine for prevention and treatment of hepatocarcinoma: From bench to bedside

Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) has played a positive role in the management of hepatocarcinoma. Hepatocarcinoma patients may present Qi-stagnation, damp-heat, blood stasis, Qi-deficiency, Yin-deficiency and other TCM syndromes(Zheng). Modern treatments such as surgery, transarterial chemoembolization(TACE) and high intensity focus ultrasound treatment would influence the manifestation of TCM syndromes. Herbs with traditional efficacy of tonifying Qi, blood and Yin, soothing liver-Qi stagnation, clearing heat and detoxifying and dissolving stasis, have been demonstrated to be potent to prevent hepatocarcinogenesis. TCM has been widely used in all aspects of integrative therapy in hepatocarcinoma, including surgical resection, liver transplantation, TACE, local ablative therapies and even as monotherapy for middle-advanced stage hepatocarcinoma. Clinical practices have confirmed that TCM is effective to alleviate clinical symptoms, improve quality of life and immune function, prevent recurrence and metastasis, delay tumor progression, and prolong survival time in hepatocarcinoma patients. The effective mechanism of TCM against hepatocarcinoma is related to inducing apoptosis, autophagy, anoikis and cell senescence, arresting cell cycle, regulating immune function, inhibiting metastasis and angiogenesis, reversing drug resistance and enhancing effects of chemotherapy. Along with the progress of research in this field, TCM will contribute more to the prevention and treatment of hepatocarcinoma.